HOLIDAY HACKS

In the weeks to come, I will be sharing simple, delicious recipes for you to make for just yourself, or dishes to bring with you to the numerous gatherings that may be taking place in your life over the next few months. In this post I’m going to offer a few “tweaks” you can make in your approach to food and nutrition, as this time can be tricky for many. Did I mention these are so easy to do and I know you will notice a difference!

You’ve heard the advice, “every time you have an adult beverage, you should have a glass of water”…In the same way, every time you want to put something sweet or starchy in your mouth, you should first eat a vegetable. If you choose to have dessert, great, but not without a veggie starter. Thus begins my list of “Holiday Hacks”:

1. Don’t put anything into your mouth until you’ve eaten a veggie first. This has enormous positive benefits for your appetite, cravings, and blood sugar regulation, just to name a few.

2. Slip a tablespoon of vinegar into your glass of water before your meal, and especially if you are having a treat without having eaten a meal yet.

3. Again, eat some veggies before treats, but even try to have a veggie starter before your meal. Then, eat them again during. Food order matters: Veggies first, then protein and fat, and last starches and sugars. 

4. Move after you eat! Just 10 minutes. I know, I know, this is supposed to be nap time, but go on a 10 minute walk, or put on some music and have a 10 minute dance party with your family and friends. Tidy up. Do some light yoga…just keep moving! SERIOUSLY, 10 MINUTES!

5. Don’t eat carbs alone! I’m talking bread, pretzels, cake, cookies, fruits, ect. I’ve already mentioned eating veggies before, or at least pair your carbs with the other two macros: fat and/or protein. Bread: add some butter or nut butter, pretzels: add some meat or cheese, cake & cookies: I’m gonna stick with veggies here or pair with some nuts- same with fruit. Or, have a protein shake with your snacks. This is what Jessie Inchauspe (the Glucose Goddess) calls, “Clothing your carbs”. Don’t eat your carbs naked!

6. Savory breakfast!! Kayla has been recommending this for some time now, and she is so right on! The family might wake up in the morning and prepare to have a huge pile of syrupy pancakes, with cinnamon rolls, a glass of orange juice, and some muffins and scones. But, these are not breakfast. These are dessert. And you have all day LATER to eat something sweet so DON’T DO IT FIRST THING IN THE MORNING! Instead, opt for a savory egg, meat, and veggie omelet, or savory egg cups, or some meat and veggie leftovers from the night before, and skip the orange juice and have some coffee or Apple Cider Vinegar water, or sparkling mineral water. Then, have a muffin… If you want. But first, savory!

These are not rules to restrict you. These are really simple habits that have a paramount effect on your body and mind. Wouldn’t you rather enjoy your outings and time with family and friends without thinking about food. These tweaks will lead you to that freedom. If you don’t believe me, just try them and see what happens. Experiment. See how you feel. See how your cravings change. See how you don’t even have to think twice about food because you are so in control it’s automatic and doesn’t consume you. See how much your mind and energy are freed up to give and focus on the things that fill your heart. 

-COACH TISH